One can detect a definite influence from the priest poet, Father Feeney, in the rhyme and rhythm of the philosopher poet, Dr. Maluf. The former, however, has that Irish flair for painting with words; the latter that Semitic gift for impressing with similitudes. Brother Francis Maluf wrote these fifty-nine poems for leisure. Those of us who know him would have a hard time imagining him sweating for too long over a verse. When he was deeply moved, whether it be by a devotional grace, by wonder at something beautiful to behold, by a gospel story or character, or even by astonishment over some mystery of iniquity, his contemplative heart would seek a means of expression. These poems are the expression of Brother Francis’ contemplative heart.

Table of Contents

Names Divine Alchemy On Unholy Gloom Protesting Crusader Protestant Virtues A Song to the tune of “Hannat Maha Ghassan”. Professor Drew Martha The Church Plaintive Eucharist The Heart The Versifier Who Is Next The New Law Christmas Poets and Philosophers Andalusian The Prayer of the Gerasenes Apostrophe to Saint Joseph Sentimental Miss Freezer The Message of Faith The Poets Virtue and Religion A Translation of “Mon Chant d’Aujourd’hui” St. Joan of Arc The Invisible Empire Learning Unreality The Sky Appreciation Poets vs. Lovers The Poor Man’s Response Talkers The Test Tube — Not for the Child A Short Biography On Free Verse The Lion — Lamb The Prayer of Saint Francis Xavier Freedom In The New Age On Father’s Anniversary — 1959 To Thérèse Tabor Saint Thérèse After Holy Communion Part Two (For the Children) For the Children The World Upside Down Children’s Stories at the Maluf’s before Mass Mariam as a Child Peter at Seven Anna Maria Agnes Mary To Angela Maria Anna Maria at her 4th Birthday To Marie Rose on her 6th Birthday Anna Maria to St. Anne For the Children Again

On Unholy Gloom

When Satan fails to make us bad, He is most content to keep us sad; For a heavy heart cannot contain Buoyant thoughts from the high domain, And must perforce gravitate To matters of a lower state.

Protesting

The Unitarian, Dr. Lee Is pleased he does not disagree, With God on points, perhaps two or three. The Presbyterian, Rev. Shreeve, Has found himself more bent to believe, From being a conservative. But the High Episcopalian, Dunn, Who is far above the common run, Agrees with God on all points but one.

Crusader

What seek ye, brave and valiant knight Well armed and well prepared? So much in earnest for a fight So eager not to be spared. I am a Christian, he replied Summoned by Christ’s command, To free the spot where He suffered and died, To fight for my Lady’s land. I wish to be hated where Christ was hated, And to hear those very same jeers Which He heard as He died betrayed and berated By a mob perfidious and fierce. I desire to die on the sacred hill, Sion, to set it free, Where God’s last testament and will Willed God’s own life to me.

Protestant Virtues

If God were a protestant divine He never would have made water, wine. Nor ordered Josue his horn to blow And crash the walls of Jericho. Judith would have blame instead Of glory, for cutting the oppressor’s head. If God were a protestant divine, Branches he would have, But not the vine And Saul of Tarsus, He would Never have sent To Peter for a sacrament. And who would commend But for Catholic weakness Job for patience and Moses for meekness?

A Song to the tune of “Hannat Maha Ghassan”

O Cause of all our joys! Queen merciful and kind, What makes our girls and boys So precious in your mind? From Heaven you still have yearned For this our lonely place; With all that you have earned In glory and in grace, What keeps you so concerned About our race? O Mary, chosen one Eternal Father’s boast, Mother of God the Son, Spouse of the Holy Ghost, Queen raised above the stars, Exalted, set apart, What do our wounds and scars And all our hurts, impart, What thoughts and what memoirs To your dear Heart!